Bicycle and scooter trade show Vélovak makes good impression after long 'corona pause'
GORINCHEM – The fourth edition of the bicycle and scooter trade show Vélovak on 19, 20 and 21 September passed off positively, according to show organiser Easyfairs Nederland. After the fair had to skip a year due to corona, it was uncertain for a long time whether it would be allowed to take place again this year. “Fortunately, this summer the light jumped to green! And that joy and the desire to see each other face-to-face again was also noticeable on the exhibition floor. Finally, visitors could speak to representatives live again and discover products and innovations with their own eyes,” says Mascha de Bruin on behalf of Vélovak.
A total of 2,023 professionals from the two-wheeler sector visited this fourth edition of Vélovak, which is only 90 visitors less than the last edition in 2019 before corona. De Bruin: “The last editions before corona we saw an upward trend in visitor numbers, we would have liked to continue that line. But we see everywhere that the numbers at fairs are not yet at the same level as before corona. That will take some time. But the fact that we are still so close to the number for 2019 gives a lot of confidence and also confirms the need in the two-wheeler sector to see each other again at a fair. Exhibitors were full of praise for the quality of the visitors and several have already booked their stand for 2022.”
While visitors were happy and excited to discover products and innovations live again, exhibitors were equally happy to welcome their customers physically. De Bruin: “Unfortunately we had to postpone the new concept of Vélovak for a year, but now we could finally introduce it. We really want to be the business event of the bicycle and moped industry. Easyfairs’ new Smart Badge technology, the digital business card, was also used extensively. For visitors, it is a convenient way to gather information about exhibitors and knowledge sessions. The exhibitors were also very satisfied with it and were busy collecting (new) leads.”
Practical knowledge programme well attended
During this edition, trade magazine Tweewieler and Vélovak organised a practical knowledge programme in the Tweewieler Knowledge Theather with diverse subjects. From the hydrogen bike of DIVAGO Consulting and “in 5 steps to a successful marketing plan” by the marketing agency for the local entrepreneur, Many Tastes. To bicycle battery overhaul by Heskon and “how to make a real difference” by the brand builders marketing agency MM. Also, every day several sessions were organised each day in the Sports Café powered by Grinta!. Busybee Bike Products and De Gangmaker hosted a fun quiz. AGU, Bio-Racer, Stef Clement of Muon e-bikes and 2Moso BV organised on Monday and Tuesday an interesting round table session about the innovations in bike care and the clothing of the Jumbo Visma team. The last party 2Moso also challenged the visitors and exhibitors to see who was the fastest of the company, for charity.
Start-up square full of innovations
On the new Start-up Square, various innovations were presented that caught the eye of the visitors. The world’s first wireless charging tile by TILER and a start-up concept of tailor-made and high-end racing bike parts by SPEECO were presented here. Also on display here was the world’s first single hydrogen-powered bicycle by DIVAGO Consulting, as well as the fastest-charging e-bikes by Ostrichoo E-bikes. Furthermore, visitors saw modern cargo e-bikes with a unique tipping technology and body system by GLEAM, the impact of the marketing concepts by Bicycle Catalogue, the customizable bike crates by Bicibo, electric and 100% recycled cargo bikes with unique rear wheel steering by Black Iron Horse and the innovative rain protection by Rainjoy.
Award ceremony Two-Wheeler Shop of the Year 2021
On Monday there was also the finals of the Tweedeller Shop of the Year 2021. The big winner was Hoogeveen Fietsbeleving from Gouda who, according to the professional jury, has the wow factor, but especially excels in service. Jim and Jeroen Hoogeveen received the main prize from Joris Smink of main partner ANWB. We are proud that we could facilitate this ceremony at Next Level, the new upper floor of Evenementenhal Gorinchem.
The fifth edition of Vélovak will take place on Sunday 18, Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 September 2022 in Evenementenhal Gorinchem.
